Licensed to practice in Florida and accepts 9 insurances. Specializes in Anxiety, Coping Skills, Grief and 10 more.
(she/her)
New to Grow
Hi, I'm Diana. I'm a licensed clinical social worker of Latina, Dominican heritage, bilingual in English and Spanish. I bring years of clinical experience across school-based social work, foster care, supportive housing, and outpatient therapy in New York and Florida. I work with clients of all ages, from early childhood through late adulthood. My approach is integrative and trauma-informed, drawing on CBT, DBT, motivational interviewing, somatic work, and mindfulness. I tailor each session to what my client needs. I'm also continually expanding my training, so clients receive current, evidence-based care.
In our first session together, we'll spend time getting to know each other so I can understand what's bringing you to therapy right now and what you're hoping to get out of our work together. I'll ask about your background, current stressors, and any past experiences with therapy, and we'll begin identifying goals that feel meaningful to you. There's no pressure to share everything at once , we'll go at a pace that feels comfortable. My goal is for you to leave that first session feeling heard, and with a clearer sense of how we'll work together moving forward.
I bring a calm, warm, and adaptable presence to my sessions. I understand first hand how culture, identity, and family shape mental health. I bring that awareness into the room with every client, regardless of their background. My own life experiences have taught me the value of quiet, steady support. They've also taught me the value of honest, direct feedback. I know when to hold space in silence. I also know when to gently challenge a pattern that isn't serving a client. I'm straightforward but kind. My goal in every session is to help clients feel supported while working toward the goals that matter most to them.
My ideal client is someone navigating anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, or a difficult life transition, who is ready to be an active participant in their own healing. They may be facing family stress, relationship challenges, or significant life changes, and want a space where they can process these experiences honestly. Some clients want structured, skills-based tools to manage symptoms day to day; others want a deeper, more reflective space to understand patterns in their life. My ideal client values both compassion and honesty, and is open to being gently challenged when it serves their growth. Whether someone is just beginning therapy or has been in and out of it for years, I meet them where they are and help them move toward the goals that matter most to them.
I use CBT to help clients see the connection between their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. In sessions, we identify unhelpful thinking patterns. This might include assuming the worst or being overly self-critical. Then we work together to build more balanced, realistic ways of thinking. I often use practical tools like thought records or small "homework" exercises. Sometimes we practice tricky conversations through role-play. This helps clients build new skills, not just talk about them. Over time, clients feel more in control of their anxiety, mood, and reactions to stress.
I use DBT to help clients manage intense emotions. We focus on building practical skills in four key areas. These include staying present, tolerating distress, managing emotions, and communicating effectively. Clients learn concrete tools they can use in the moment, not just in session. For example, we might practice grounding techniques for overwhelming feelings. We also work on setting healthy boundaries in relationships. Over time, these skills help clients respond to stress more calmly, instead of reacting on impulse.
I use grief therapy to support clients through loss in a way that honors their unique experience. There is no "right" way to grieve, and no set timeline. We create space to process complicated emotions, like sadness, anger, guilt, or relief. Sometimes grief involves the death of a loved one. Other times it involves a different kind of loss, like a relationship, health, or a life stage. I help clients find healthy ways to carry their grief forward, while still finding meaning and connection in daily life.
I use mindfulness to help clients slow down and reconnect with the present moment. Many clients come in feeling overwhelmed by racing thoughts or constant worry. We practice simple techniques like grounding, breathing exercises, and body awareness. These tools help calm the nervous system in the moment. Over time, mindfulness also helps clients notice their thoughts without judging themselves so harshly. This creates space between a feeling and a reaction. Clients often find this helps reduce stress and improve overall well-being.
I use an integrative approach because no single method works for everyone. Instead, I draw from several proven techniques and match them to each client's needs. This might include CBT for challenging negative thought patterns. It might include DBT skills for managing intense emotions. It could also include mindfulness or somatic tools to help calm the body and mind. I stay flexible throughout treatment. If one approach isn't clicking, we adjust together. This way, therapy feels personal, not one-size-fits-all.